31 Days of Repentance

By Monica Kritz

Mitchell County

Day 6: Forgive me for speaking evil of others.

Titus 3:2 states, “To speak evil of no man,…” Period. I could stop here. This is a very clear instruction. But let’s think a little deeper. Read this verse for yourself. Do you see the word “if” or “except” at the end of this statement? Does it say not to speak evil, if you feel like it? Does it say not to speak evil, except in the case when someone deserves it?

As CHRISTians, we are to set examples for others. One of the worst examples we can be is to be someone who is always speaking “bad” of someone else. When we do this, we are “tearing down” another person. Since we are made in the image of GOD (Genesis 1:26), we are actually speaking evil of GOD and HIS creation. Wow! That gives a totally new perspective, doesn’t it? JESUS said to love each other. In Mark 12:31, HE said this is the second greatest commandment. This is another very clear instruction.

The next time you start to say something negative about another person or spread the latest gossip, stop! Many times, I have heard older adults say, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all!”

Challenge:

* Read James 3 about the tongue and the dangers of it. Memorize verse 17. Write it on a card and carry it with you as a reminder to control your tongue.

* Ask yourself “why” you speak evil of others. Is it to make you feel better about yourself? Is it so you can spread “gossip”? Will you feel “popular” with your peers?

Jason and Monica Henley-Kritz live in the beautiful mountains of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, nestled near the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Jason is the owner of Joyful Noise Vintage Audio & Electronics, where he repairs, rebuilds and restores vintage electronics. Monica is the owner of Monica’s Music Studio, where she teaches piano and music theory lessons. Jason and Monica were married in 2007, and they give GOD all the glory for any accomplishments in their lives.
Contact Monica with questions about the books or to order hard copies.
Email: monicasmusicstudio@gmail.com
Phone: 1 828 765 8789 ( Leave a message )